Miniature pigs, particularly Chinese indigenous breeds such as Wuzhishan (WZS) and Bama, are important biomedical models. However, the genetic management of these colonies is often fragmented across breeding facilities, leading to undocumented genetic drift and inconsistencies in germplasm quality. A reproducible SNP-based tool for colony-level genetic monitoring and provenance evaluation is therefore needed. We developed a targeted genotyping system based on multiplex liquid capture sequencing. Candidate SNPs were identified from whole-genome resequencing data of 20 WZS and 20 Bama pigs. After screening and panel optimization, 207 SNPs were retained for genotyping. The panel was evaluated in 154 individuals from eight pig populations across six breeding facilities, including closed colonies, inbred lines, and a New Zealand White (NZW) outgroup. Genetic diversity, population structure, linkage disequilibrium (LD), runs of homozygosity (ROH), and individual identification parameters were analyzed to assess colony-level genetic patterns. The 207-SNP panel distinguished the major breed backgrounds and captured facility-associated population structure. It separated the WZS-1 foundation stock from the WZS-2/WZS-3 inbred lineages and differentiated Bama populations maintained in independent facilities. The NZW population from Unit 6 formed a distinct cluster separate from the Chinese miniature pig populations. Genetic diversity, LD, and ROH analyses were broadly consistent with known colony management histories. WZS-1 and BAMA-1 showed relatively high heterozygosity and faster LD decay, whereas the inbred lines showed reduced heterozygosity, higher ROH burden, and lower LD-based Ne estimates. Although ascertainment bias was observed in the NZW outgroup, the panel retained strong individual discrimination power, with cumulative Probability of Identity (PI) values ranging from 6.3 × 10⁻⁷⁵ in WZS-1 to 8.8 × 10⁻²⁰ in BANNA-2. Across all populations, PI values were below the stringent reference benchmark of 1 × 10⁻⁹ used in this study. This 207-SNP liquid capture panel provides a practical and reproducible tool for routine genetic monitoring and colony-level authentication of laboratory miniature pigs. The panel is particularly useful for evaluating genetic diversity, facility-associated population structure, and breeding-history consistency in populations represented in this study. However, LD- and Ne-related estimates derived from this targeted low-density panel should be interpreted mainly as relative comparisons, and broader application to weakly differentiated or external populations will require further validation.

Over the past three decades, there has been a steady increase in clinical attention to ischaemic heart failure caused by coronary microembolization. Nonetheless, a suitable mouse model for studying this condition remains limited. In the present study, we developed a mouse model of coronary microembolization-induced ischaemic heart failure by injecting corn oil into the left ventricle. After oil injection, the photoacoustic microscopy system identified an immediate obstruction of blood flow in the microvessels of the left ventricle. One day after injection of 10-60 µL oil, mice exhibited a significant decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening, along with an increase in left ventricular volume during systole and elevated serum creatine kinase MB levels. Oil injection also resulted in acute cardiomyocyte necrosis, apoptosis and inflammatory infiltration. After 1 month, the mouse model demonstrated a prolonged and dose-dependent reduction in heart function, in addition to significant increases in expression of the heart failure markers BNP and MYH7 and areas of cardiac fibrosis. Correspondingly, RNA sequencing revealed 126 differentially expressed genes in the oil-injected mice, which were enriched in pathways related to myocardial contraction, vasodilatation, myocardial fibrosis and chemotactic inflammation. Notably, treatment with nitroglycerin or sacubitril-valsartan was able to mitigate the decrease of heart function in the mouse model. In conclusion, we successfully established a coronary microembolization-induced mouse model of ischaemic heart failure by left ventricular injection of oil, which exhibited high sensitivity to nitroglycerin and sacubitril-valsartan.

Chinese hamster with Chinese characteristics is used in experiments, and it is of great value in the field of medical biology research. However, at present, there is no high-efficiency method for evaluating the genetic quality of Chinese hamsters. Here, we developed a novel Chinese hamster genetic quality detection system using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. To find SNP loci, we conducted whole genome sequencing on 24 Chinese hamsters. Then, we employed an SNP locus screening criterion that we set up previously and initially screened 214 SNP loci with wide genome distribution and high polymorphism level. Subsequently, we developed the SNP detection system using a multitarget region capture technique based on second-generation sequencing, and a 55 SNP panel for genetic evaluation of Chinese hamster populations was developed. PopGen.32. analysis results showed that the average effective allele number, Shannon index, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, average heterozygosity, polymorphism information, and other genetic parameters of Chinese hamster population A were higher than those in population B. Using scientific screening and optimization, we successfully developed a novel Chinese hamster SNP genetic detection system that can efficiently and accurately analyze the genetic quality of the Chinese hamster population.

Aim: Representing about 15% of lung cancers, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an extremely aggressive disease characterized by rapid growth and early spread, leading to dismal clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the dual roles of exosomal long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LYPLAL1-DT (LYPLAL1 divergent transcript) in both tumor cells and vascular endothelial cells. Methods: The circulating levels of LYPLAL1-DT were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction in 13 SCLC patients and 21 normal controls. Exosomes from the supernatant of cell culture medium or serum were extracted through ultracentrifugation and dyed with PKH67 green fluorescent cell linker to identify internalization. Migration and invasion assay, colony formation, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and tube formation assays were used to assess the malignant effects of extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) LYPLAL1-DT in exosomes. Results: Exosomal LYPLAL1-DT is upregulated in SCLC patients and plays a dual role in promoting tumor cell aggressiveness and enhancing pro-angiogenic behavior in endothelial cells, thereby accelerating SCLC progression. Mechanistically, LYPLAL1-DT functions as a competing endogenous RNA, exerting its effects through the miR-204-5p/profilin-2, miR-204-5p/B-cell lymphoma 2 and miR-204-5p/sirtuin 1 regulatory axes. These pathways underscore the pleiotropic effects of exosomal LYPLAL1-DT and underscore its value as a promising therapeutic target. Conclusion: In the current study, we investigated the bidirectional communication mediated by exRNA LYPLAL1-DT between SCLC and endothelial cells, while also exploring its potential regulatory targets. This research provides a potential circulating biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of SCLC.

Although xenotransplantation has been revolutionized by the development of genome-edited pigs, it is still unknown whether these pigs and their offspring remain genomically stable. Here, we showed that GGTA1-knockout (GTKO) pigs accumulated an average of 1205 genome-wide genetic mutations, and their filial 1 (F1) offspring contained an average of 18 de novo mutations compared with wild-type controls and their parents. The majority of mutations were in regions annotated as intergenic without altering protein functions, and none were located at predicted off-target sites. RNA sequencing analysis and phenotypic observations indicated that the accumulated mutations may have only a limited influence on GTKO pigs, and most of the mutations in the GTKO pigs could be attributed to the electrotransfection of plasmids into cells. This is the first report demonstrating that genetic mutations in genome-edited pigs are inherited stably by the next generation, providing a reference for the safe application and a standard approach to breed genome-edited pigs for xenotransplantation.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a well-known pathogen associated with chronic gastric infection, progressing from gastritis to gastric adenocarcinoma, but the dynamic phenotypic and molecular characteristics of gastric epithelial cells during sustained infection remain unclear. We established a chronic infection model using the human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1, exposed to H. pylori or its lysate across 30 generations, dynamically assessing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, autophagy, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, with RNA sequencing for transcriptomic changes and a Mongolian gerbil model to validate chronic pathological progression. Acute H. pylori exposure induced pronounced morphological changes; suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion; triggered apoptosis; and blocked autophagic flux, while long-term stimulation reversed these effects. EMT markers showed progressive loss of epithelial characteristics with chronic infection. RNA sequencing revealed a dynamic shift from inflammation-driven apoptosis to adaptive survival mechanisms. In vivo, prolonged infection induced dynamic TLR expression alongside progressive gastric pathology, including atrophy and dysplasia. Our study provides new molecular evidence for dynamic cellular and immunological adaptations of gastric epithelial cells under chronic H. pylori infection, highlighting critical intervention windows for preventing gastric carcinogenesis.

BACKGROUND:Osteoporosis (OP) is a skeletal condition characterized by increased susceptibility to fractures. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the orderly process of cells ending their own life that has not been thoroughly explored in relation to OP. OBJECTIVE:This study is to investigate PCD-related genes in OP, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying the disease. METHODS:Public datasets (GSE56814 and GSE56815) were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We employed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), Boruta, and random forest (RF) algorithms to pinpoint hub PCD-related genes in OP and construct a predictive nomogram model. The performance of the model was validated through ROC curve analysis, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. Additionally, transcription factor (TF) interaction analysis and functional enrichment analysis were conducted to explore the regulatory networks and biological pathways involved. RESULTS:We identified 161 DEGs, with 30 prominently associated with PCD. Five hub genes, PDPK1, MAP1LC3B, ZFP36, DRAM1, and MPO, were highlighted as particularly significant. A predictive nomogram integrating these genes demonstrated high accuracy (AUC) in forecasting OP risk, with an AUC of 0.911 in the GSE56815 dataset. The validation confirmed the gene model efficacy in differentiating OP risk and clinical applicability. The subsequent TF-gene interaction analyses revealed that these hub genes are regulated by multiple TFs, indicating their central role in OP pathology. Functional enrichment analysis of the hub genes indicated significant involvement in apoptosis, autophagy, and immune response pathways. CONCLUSION:This study identified PDPK1, MAP1LC3B, ZFP36, DRAM1, and MPO as potential biomarkers and proposes a nomogram based on hub genes for predicting osteoporosis risk.

Background: Obesity is a predisposing risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Actually, not only obese/overweight but also nonobese/lean individuals may be prone to T2DM. This study is aimed at identifying the contribution of adipose tissue to the development of nonobese diabetes (NOD) and obese diabetes (OD). Methods: Serum samples from the nonobese nondiabetes (NOND, n = 47, age = 46.8 ± 8.4, BMI ≤ 23.9 kg/m2) controls, NOD (n = 48, age = 50.7 ± 6.5, BMI ≤ 23.9 kg/m2) and OD (n = 65, age = 49.8 ± 10.2, BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2) patients were utilized to measure the expression of metabolic indicators, adipocytokines, inflammatory factors. Different adipose depots from offspring with corresponding blood glucose and obesity levels of a spontaneously diabetic gerbil line with various degrees of diabetic penetrance and body weights were examined for adipocytokines and inflammation factors detected by ELISA and western blot. Adipose tissue volume and fat cell size of the gerbils were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: The study yielded four key findings. Firstly, in comparison to the NOD group, the OD group exhibited more severe insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic dysfunction in both patients and gerbils, attributed to higher visceral adipose tissue mass and larger fat cell sizes. Secondly, in gerbils, gonadal fat deposition was linked to obesity development, whereas kidney fat deposition correlated with obesity and diabetes occurrence. Thirdly, in both patients and gerbils, the interplay between adiponectin and leptin levels in serum may significantly influence the development of obesity and diabetes. Lastly, heightened expression of MCP3 in gerbils' kidney adipose tissue may serve as a pivotal factor in initiating obesity-associated diabetes. Conclusions: Our study, which may be considered a pilot investigation, suggests that the interaction of adipocytokines and inflammation factors in different adipose depots could play diverse roles in the development of diabetes or obesity.

The Mongolian gerbil is a distinctive experimental animal in China, as its genetic qualities possess significant value in the field of medical biology research. Here, we aimed to establish an economical and efficient panel for genetic quality detection in Mongolian gerbils using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. To search for SNPs, we conducted whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in 40 Mongolian gerbils from outbred populations. Reliable screening criteria were established to preliminarily select SNPs with a wide genome distribution and high levels of polymorphism. Subsequently, a multiple-target regional capture detection system based on second-generation sequencing was developed for SNP genotyping. Based on the results of WGS, 219 SNPs were preliminarily selected, and they were established and optimized in a multiple-amplification system that included 206 SNP loci by genotyping three outbred populations. PopGen.32 analysis revealed that the average effective allele number, Shannon index, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, average heterozygosity, polymorphism information content, and other population genetic parameters of the Capital Medical University (CMU) gerbils were the highest, followed by those of Zhejiang gerbils and Dalian gerbils. Through scientific screening and optimization, we successfully established a novel, robust, and cost-effective genetic detection system for Mongolian gerbils by utilizing SNP markers for the first time.

Abstract Background The Mongolian gerbil is an excellent laboratory animal for preparing the cerebral ischemia model due to its inherent deficiency in the circle of Willis. However, the low incidence and unpredictability of symptoms are caused by numerous complex variant types of the circle. Additionally, the lack of an evaluation system for the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model of gerbils has shackled the application of this model. Methods We created a symptom‐oriented principle and detailed neurobehavioral scoring criteria. At different time points of reperfusion, we analyzed the alteration in locomotion by rotarod test and grip force score, infarct volume by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, neuron loss using Nissl staining, and histological characteristics using hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) straining. Results With a successful model rate of 56%, 32 of the 57 gerbils operated by our method harbored typical features of cerebral I/R injury, and the mortality rate in the male gerbils was significantly higher than that in the female gerbils. The successfully prepared I/R gerbils demonstrated a significant reduction in motility and grip strength at 1 day after reperfusion; formed obvious infarction; exhibited typical pathological features, such as tissue edema, neuronal atrophy and death, and vacuolated structures; and were partially recovered with the extension of reperfusion time. Conclusion This study developed a new method for the unilateral common carotid artery ligation I/R model of gerbil and established a standardized evaluation system for this model, which could provide a new cerebral I/R model of gerbils with more practical applications.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) stands as one of the most lethal malignancies, characterized by a grim diagnosis and prognosis. The emergence of multi-drug resistance poses a significant hurdle to effective therapy. Although previous studies have implicated the long noncoding RNA LYPLAL1-DT in the tumorigenesis of SCLC, the precise role of the highly expressed LYPLAL1-DT in SCLC chemoresistance and the underlying mechanism remain inadequately understood. cDDP-, VP-16- and PTX-resistant SCLC cells lines were established. The viabilities of SCLC cells were assessed by CCK-8 assay in vitro and xenograft tumor formation assay in vivo. Apoptosis was evaluated by FACS, Western blot and JC-1 fluorescence staining, while autophagy was explored via autophagic flux detection under confocal microscopy and autophagic vacuole investigation under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The functional role and mechanism of LYPLAL1-DT were further investigated by gain- and loss-of-function assays in vitro. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of the combination of venetoclax and HCQ with cDDP, VP-16 or PTX was evaluated by cell line, cell-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mice model. Our findings revealed that LYPLAL1-DT is upregulated in chemoresistant SCLC cell lines. Gain- and loss-of-function assays demonstrated that LYPLAL1-DT impairs sensitivity to cDDP, VP-16, or PTX both in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of LYPLAL1-DT significantly enhanced autophagy and inhibited apoptosis in SCLC cells. Further analyses, including RIP and RNA pull-down assays, revealed that LYPLAL1-DT promotes the expression of BCL2 by sponging miR-204-5p and is implicated in the assembly of the autophagy-specific complex (BECN1/PtdIns3K complex). Combining venetoclax and HCQ with cDDP, VP-16, or PTX effectively mitigated chemoresistance in SCLC cells and suppressed tumor growth in CDX and PDX models without inducing obvious toxic effects. Our findings demonstrate that upregulation of LYPLAL1-DT sequesters apoptosis through the LYPLAL1-DT/miR-204-5p/BCL2 axis and promotes autophagy by facilitating the assembly of the BECN1/PtdIns3K complex, thereby mediating multi-drug resistance of SCLC. The triple combination of venetoclax, HCQ, in conjunction with cDDP, VP-16 or PTX overcomes refractory SCLC, shedding light on a potential therapeutic target for combating SCLC chemoresistance.

Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori, Hp ) has been designated a class I carcinogen and is closely associated with severe gastric diseases. During colonization in the gastric mucosa, H. pylori develops immune escape by inducing host immune tolerance. The gastric epithelium acts as the first line of defense against H. pylori , with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in gastric epithelial cells being sensitive to H. pylori components and subsequently activating the innate immune system. However, the mechanism of immune tolerance induced by H. pylori through the TLR signalling pathway has not been fully elucidated. In this research, we detected the expression of TLRs and inflammatory cytokines in GES-1 cells upon sustained exposure to H. pylori or H. pylori lysate from 1 to 30 generations and in Mongolian gerbils infected with H. pylori for 5 to 90 weeks. We found that the levels of TLR6 and inflammatory cytokines first increased and then dropped during the course of H. pylori treatment in vitro and in vivo. The restoration of TLR6 potentiated the expression of IL-1β and IL-8 in GES-1 cells, which recruited neutrophils and reduced the colonization of H. pylori in the gastric mucosa of gerbils. Mechanistically, we found that persistent infection with H. pylori reduces the sensitivity of TLR6 to bacterial components and regulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines in GES-1 cells through TLR6/JNK signaling. The TLR6 agonist obviously alleviated inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Promising results suggest that TLR6 may be a potential candidate immunotherapy drug for H. pylori infection.

ABSTRACT Helicobacter pylori is a microaerophilic Gram-negative bacterium that resides in the human stomach and is classified as a class I carcinogen for gastric cancer. Numerous studies have demonstrated that H. pylori infection plays a role in regulating the function of host cells, thereby contributing to the malignant transformation of these cells. However, H. pylori infection is a chronic process, and short-term cellular experiments may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the in vivo situation, especially when considering the lower oxygen levels in the human stomach. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying gastric cell dysfunction after prolonged exposure to H. pylori under hypoxic conditions. We conducted a co-culture experiment using the gastric cell line GES-1 and H. pylori for 30 generations under intermittent hypoxic conditions. By closely monitoring cell proliferation, migration, invasion, autophagy, and apoptosis, we revealed that sustained H. pylori stimulation under hypoxic conditions significantly influences the function of GES-1 cells. This stimulation induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and contributes to the propensity for malignant transformation of gastric cells. To confirm the in vitro results, we conducted an experiment involving Mongolian gerbils infected with H. pylori for 85 weeks. All the results strongly suggest that the Nod1 receptor signaling pathway plays a crucial role in H. pylori -related apoptosis and autophagy. In summary, continuous stimulation by H. pylori affects the functioning of gastric cells through the Nod1 receptor signaling pathway, increasing the likelihood of cell carcinogenesis. The presence of hypoxic conditions further exacerbates this process. IMPORTANCE Deciphering the collaborative effects of Helicobacter pylori infection on gastric epithelial cell function is key to unraveling the development mechanisms of gastric cancer. Prior research has solely examined the outcomes of short-term H. pylori stimulation on gastric epithelial cells under aerobic conditions, neglecting the bacterium’s nature as a microaerophilic organism that leads to cancer following prolonged stomach colonization. This study mimics a more genuine in vivo infection scenario by repeatedly exposing gastric epithelial cells to H. pylori under hypoxic conditions for up to 30 generations. The results show that chronic exposure to H. pylori in hypoxia substantially increases cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while suppressing autophagy and apoptosis. This highlights the significance of hypoxic conditions in intensifying the carcinogenic impact of H. pylori infection. By accurately replicating the in vivo gastric environment, this study enhances our comprehension of H. pylori ’s pathogenic mechanisms in gastric cancer.

The presence of peritoneal metastasis in patients with pancreatic cancer is associated with poor prognosis. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may result in poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, immunotherapy improves prognosis even at an advanced stage of the disease. The present study reported a case of a combined therapy of autologous ex vivo expanded natural killer (NK) cells and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor in a patient with pancreatic cancer and peritoneal metastasis. The NK cells were expanded ex vivo and intravenously injected. This was followed by intravenous administration of two dosages of PD-1 inhibitor. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed to assess the size of tumor before and after the combined therapy. In addition, the blood sample and ascites were collected and analyzed before and after the combined therapy. Flow cytometry was carried out to measure the subsets of T cells and macrophages in the collected ascites. Meanwhile, the levels of cytokines in the ascites were quantified through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Luminex assays were conducted on the supernatant. It was revealed that after the combined therapy, cancer cells disappeared in the ascites, and the T cells were activated, which could be confirmed by the decreased levels of PD-1 and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3. Also, the functioning of macrophages was improved, as shown by the increased level of CD86 and the reduced levels of CD206 and HLA-DR. Notably, the levels of cytokines (transforming growth factor-β, vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukin-10) in ascites were significantly upregulated after the combined therapy. In conclusion, it was evident that NK cells combined with PD-1 inhibitor improved the immune microenvironment of carcinomatosis in the peritoneal cavity. Therefore, the combined therapy may be beneficial for suppressing pancreatic cancer and the presence of metastases in the peritoneal cavity. However, there is a need for additional randomized studies to confirm the efficacy of combined therapy.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the most malignant tumors that has an extremely poor prognosis. RNA-binding protein (RBP) and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) have been shown to be key regulators during tumorigenesis as well as lung tumor progression. However, the role of RBP ELAVL4 and lncRNA LYPLAL1- DT in SCLC remains unclear. In this study, we verified that lncRNA LYPLAL1- DT acts as an SCLC oncogenic lncRNA and was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LYPLAL1- DT negatively regulates the expression of miR- 204-5p, leading to the upregulation of PFN2, thus, promoting SCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. ELAVL4 has been shown to enhance the stability of LYPLAL1- DT and PFN2 mRNA. Our study reveals a regulatory pathway, where ELAVL4 stabilizes PFN2 and LYPLAL1- DT with the latter further increasing PFN2 expression by blocking the action of miR- 204-5p. Upregulated PFN2 ultimately promotes tumorigenesis and invasion in SCLC. These findings provide novel prognostic indicators as well as promising new therapeutic targets for SCLC.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to have multiple functions and can be used as markers of various diseases, including diabetes. This study was conducted to determine the lncRNA profile in leukocytes from patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Differential expression of lncRNAs in T2D and type 1 diabetes (T1D) was also examined. RNA sequencing was performed in a critically grouped sample of leukocytes from T2D patients and healthy persons. A total of 845 significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified, with 260 downregulated and 585 upregulated lncRNAs in T2D. The analysis of functions of DE-lncRNA and constructed co-expression networks (CNC) showed that 21 lncRNAs and 117 mRNAs harbored more than 10 related genes in CNC. Fourteen of 21 lncRNAs were confirmed to be significantly differentially expressed was detected by qPCR between the T2D and control validation cohorts. We also identified a panel of 4 lncRNAs showing significant differences in expression between T1D and T2D. Collectively, hundreds of novel DE-lncRNAs we identified in leukocytes from T2D patients will aid in epigenetic mechanism studies. Fourteen confirmed DE-lncRNAs can be regarded as diagnostic markers or regulators of T2D, including 4 lncRNAs that chould distinguish T1D and T2D in clinical practice to avoid misdiagnosis.

Background and Aims Reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production has proven an effective way for alleviating oxidative stress during ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Moreover, inhibition of Rac1 could reduce ROS production and prevent oxidative stress injury. Previous studies have suggested a positive interactivation feedback loop between Rac1 and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, the latter being up-regulated early during ischemia. The positive inter-activation between Rac1 and HIF-1α would aggravate ROS production, thereby promoting IRI. This study was designed to verify the effects of Rac1 inhibition on hepatic IRI both at animal and cellular levels and to explore the interaction between Rac1 and HIF-1α during hepatic IRI. Methods C57B/6 mice and AML-12 cells were used for the construction of hepatic IRI animal and cell models. Rac1 inhibition was achieved by NSC23766 (a specific Rac1 inhibitor). Lentiviral vectors were used for Rac1 knockdown. At designated time points, serum and liver tissues were collected from the mice and treated cells were collected for further analysis. Results NSC23766 treatment significantly alleviated the hepatic IRI in mice, manifesting as lower vacuolation score and less apoptosis cells, lower ROS and serum/liver alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase levels, and fewer activated inflammatory cells. IRI of AML-12 was also alleviated by 50 µM NSC23766 or Rac1-knockdown, manifesting as reduced cell apoptosis, less extensive interruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, down-regulation of apoptosis, and effects on DNA damage-related proteins. Interestingly, Rac1 knockdown also down-regulated the expression level of HIF-1α. Conclusions Our study supports a protective effect of Rac1 inhibition on hepatic IRI. Aside from the classic topics of reducing ROS production and oxidative stress, our study showed an interaction between Rac1 and HIF-1α signaling during hepatic IRI.

目的 探究真核细胞翻译延长因子1-α2(eEF1A2)缺失对小鼠骨骼肌的含量和组成的改变.方法 12月龄的eef1a2fl/fl;CreERT2+小鼠(iHBKO)及其对照eef1a2fl/fl;CreERT2-小鼠(Control)分别连续3 d腹腔注射30 mg/kg他莫昔芬,利用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)和Western Blot验证小鼠骨骼肌eEF1A2敲除效率,利用HE染色检测小鼠骨骼肌形态,qRT-PCR检测小鼠骨骼肌主要纤维类型标志物的表达变化.结果 与对照组小鼠相比,iHBKO小鼠骨骼肌实现了eEF1A2的高效敲除.敲除小鼠腓肠肌脏器系数下降,但腓肠肌形态及横截面积无明显变化.eEF1A2基因敲除还导致快肌腓肠肌和趾长伸肌中慢肌标志物肌球蛋白重链7(myosin heavy chain 7,Myh7)表达明显升高,快肌标志物肌球蛋白重链4(myosin heavy chain 4,Myh4)明显降低,而慢肌比目鱼肌和胫骨前肌的Myh4和Myh7显著降低.结论 eEF1A2缺失降低了腓肠肌脏器系数,并导致小鼠快肌纤维向慢肌纤维的转化.

Abstract Background Transverse patellar fractures can be fixed using various techniques. The purpose of the current study was to assess the clinical outcomes and complication rate of a combined fixation technique using cannulated screws and the modified Pyrford technique with nonabsorbable polyester sutures. Methods and patients Between January 2015 and February 2021, 26 transverse patellar fractures were fixed with this combined technique. Preoperative data were collected from patients with transverse patellar fractures who were followed up for at least 12 months. At each follow-up visit, plain radiographs were taken. At the 12-month postoperative follow-up, range of motion of the affected knee joint and clinical outcomes, as evaluated by the Bostman scoring system, were recorded. Results The average Bostman score at the 12-month postoperative follow-up was 28.3 ± 1.5. Furthermore, the average extension and flexion of the knee joint were 1.2 ± 2.1 and 125.6 ± 6.7 degrees, respectively. One patient experienced delayed bone union and one experienced superficial wound infection. There were no other postoperative complications. One patient required removal of the device for social-psychological reasons. Conclusions The combined fixation technique with cannulated screws and the modified Pyrford technique with suture materials produced excellent clinical outcomes and a low rate of complications in the treatment of transverse patellar fractures.

Objective The endogenous cystatin C(CysC),encoded by theCST3gene,is highly expressed in thebrain and has protective effects in a variety of neuropathological processes.The aim of this research is toinvestigate whether knocking out(KO)CysC in gerbils can induce an animal model of depression and theprotective effect of CysC on endothelial cells and neuronal cells under simulated pathological conditions MethodsThe transcription level of CysC in different tissues of CysC knockout(CysC-KO)gerbils was detectedusing qPCR.The behavior of CysC-KO gerbils was evaluated through sucrose preference test(SPT),socialinteraction(SI),novel object recognition test(NOR),light/dark boxes,and open field trials(OFT).And under thepathological conditions simulated by H&S(hypoxic and starvation)or OGD/R(oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation)or inflammatory factor(TNF-alpha/LPS),MTT assay was used to detect the effect of CysC or itsinhibitor on HUVEC(human umbilical vein endothelial cells)and N2a(mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells)viability. Results CysC expression in CysC-KO gerbils was significantly reduced in various tissues,especially in thebrain.Deficiency of CysC in gerbils induces depression-like behavior,but does not affect motion and explorationbehavior.CysC significantly improved proliferation of both endothelial cell and neuronal cells under H&S,OGDand inflammatory conditions,while CysC inhibitor harbored contrary effect. Conclusion The CysC-KO gerbilsexhibited depression-like behavior,which may be caused by the loss of the protective effect of CysC in vascularendothelial cells and neuronal cells.These results provide a new gerbil model for studying the neuroprotectiveeffects of CysC and the mechanism of depression